The introduction of workflow software in the early 1990’s allowed many companies to work on a more productive and cohesive level. This software helped computers that were running different operating systems and different programs to communicate by using generic coding language. Now, multiple departments within one company could communicate through the use of computers and eliminate the use of pen and paper. This in turn could help a company speed up production and have a higher turnover of product. Every example I could think of that would best demonstrate workflow software, Freidman used in his book. So, I took most of this week to think of another example. Luckily, my computer at work had a glitch, and I submitted a work order with the IT department. Years ago, if there was a problem with a computer that required IT work, you would make a phone call, set an appointment, and then wait a few days for IT to show. Now, I can either email the IT department, or submit a work order by clicking on a link on my desktop. Within a few minutes, I will receive an instant message from someone within the IT department requesting to remote access my computer. The member from IT can then fix my computer glitch within a few minutes, saving me a few days of downtime from work.
Open source software is software that is developed by a community of programmers for free. The software is then available for download, for free, and can be amended for free. The only stipulation is that the original developers are credited for the software. Open source software is important because it allows for quicker updates and software that is customized towards the specific demographics that are using the software. When the internet was becoming common place in the household, Internet Explorer was “the” way to access the internet. When Firefox come on the scene, may people, including myself were hesitant to use new system. Firefox operates on the concept of open source software, which has helped it to surpass Internet Explorer. Firefox users are able to customize their internet experience. Open source software has also given a leading edge to the Android system over Apple. Android allows users to modify and repost software for free, where Apple charges for most changes and updates and is not open for user modification.
Outsourcing is another concept that exploded with the large accessibility to the internet. What started as a way to transcribe medical documents overnight, outsourcing took a large leap forward with the fear of the Y2K computer fiasco. Programmers in India were able to demonstrate to the world what they were capable of fixing computers at a fraction of the cost. This lead larger companies to experiment with other items and processes that could be sent to India to save money. While I agree with trying to save money and increase your overall profit, I do not agree with outsourcing. This process has taken jobs from many hard working Americans, and has shipped them overseas. This alone has been a large factor in the downturn of our current economic state. As more jobs are shipped to countries like India, the larger the unemployment rate gets in the United States. When people do not have a job, they can not put money back into the system. Other business start to fail and they start looking for ways to cut costs, which means more outsourcing. It is a continuous cycle, a downward spiral. Friedman explains that outsourcing has allowed companies to focus on the small details of business, how to provide a more personal experience to the customer. This is the positive angle of outsourcing, but Friedman fails to explain what happens to those who lost their jobs due to outsourcing. Friedman did peak my interest when he explained that the job of medical transcribing was first offered to Native Americans in Maine. Would things be different today? Would we be outsourcing to Indian Reservations throughout the United States? This would have helped to keep money circulating within the country.
Would our Native Americans have wanted to join the American work force and get paid to work for us? Good question. In my opinion, I think they would make more of an effort to join and work with us to keep money in the country if they really cared to do so. I have personally experienced that some of them (but not all of course) don't want anything to do with us. Many of them want to live their lives on their own land and do what they want. I think that is sad considering all the opportunities afforded them by our government. They can get a lot in the way of money for education and preferential treatment for job hiring, but many of them don't. I think that outsourcing goes to the ones that really want it. The ones who will do the job for the lowest price will get the work. Many Americans don't share the philosophy of working for less $. Our country is in trouble, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI whole-hearted agree with your about outsourcing. I am very concerned that Americans are losing jobs other countries. I feel that outsourcing can be our downfall as well. If we continue to outsource jobs, what is left for the American worker?
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